1. The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) and the High Commission of India in Suva organized the 72 nd Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Foundation Day celebrations on 13 April, 2022 at the SVCC Cultural Hall. H.E Mrs. Premila Kumar, Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Government of Fiji, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
2. ICCR was founded on 9th April 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of India with the objective of fostering and strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and the world, and to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and with their people.
3. ICCR through its Indian Cultural Centres, conducts a wide range of cultural, academic and intellectual activities in the field of Indian culture including Indian dance, music, yoga, languages, cuisines, numerous festivals, ethos and traditions along with contemporary issues. 4. H. E. P.S. Karthigeyan, High Commissioner of India to Fiji gave the welcome remarks and highlighted the role of ICCR in promotion of Cultural Diplomacy and especially the role of SVCC, Suva in strengthening the Cultural link between India and Fiji. He also underlines the key role played by the ICCR in the area of capacity building in Fiji through ICCR Scholarships and urged Fijian students to make full use of the opportunity provided by ICCR to gain World class education at free of cost.
5. The Hon’ble Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Mrs. Premila Kumar in her congratulatory remarks acknowledged the contributions of ICCR in Fiji and across the world in showcasing cultural diversity and strengthening cultural relations. She also highlighted the role of the SVCC in Fiji over the years and thanked SVCC for strengthening cultural links between India and Fiji by continuing to be a Centre for learning with different cultural classes offered and organizing different events promoting India in Fiji. She also congratulated the Government of India on its accomplishments under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. 6. During the ceremony, distinguished ICCR Alumni in Fiji were presented certificates of appreciation. Three ICCR Scholars also shared their personal experiences on the occasion. Delightful cultural performances by students of Kathak and Bharatnatyam faculties of SVCC were also presented.
6. Senior dignitaries present on the occasion included Mr. Sairusi Dakuno, Acting Auditor General, Dr Giulio Paunga, Acting Vice Chancellor, University of the South Pacific, Mr. Viliame Kasanawaqa, Team Leader Policy Research, Pacific Island Development Forum.
